I’ve created a rich and creamy keto-friendly Chicken Alfredo that swaps pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, while keeping the indulgent flavor of classic Alfredo sauce. It’s comforting, low-carb, and perfect for satisfying cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish delivers all the creamy goodness of traditional Alfredo without the carbs. Tender chicken and silky sauce come together beautifully, and I feel indulgent yet still within my keto goals. It works as a cozy weeknight meal or date-night dish!
Ingredients
(here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and sliced
-
zucchini noodles (zoodles), shirataki noodles, or both
-
unsalted butter
-
garlic, minced
-
heavy cream
-
cream cheese
-
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
salt and freshly ground black pepper
-
Italian seasoning or fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
-
optional: a pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest
Directions
-
I heat a little butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chicken slices until golden and warmed through. I remove and set aside.
-
In the same pan, I add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
-
I stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until the cream cheese melts into a smooth base.
-
I add grated Parmesan and whisk gently, letting the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes. I season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or Italian seasoning.
-
I add zucchini noodles (or shirataki), tossing them into the sauce until well coated and heated through—about 2 minutes. If needed, I add a splash of water or more cream to loosen the sauce.
-
I return the chicken to the pan, tossing gently to combine and warm through.
-
I garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 2–3 people.
-
Prep time: 5 minutes
-
Cook time: 15 minutes
-
Total time: Around 20 minutes
Variations
-
Veggie additions: I toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets to add bulk and nutrition.
-
Cheesy twist: I stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra meltiness.
-
Herb infusion: I add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
-
Cream replacement: I occasionally use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of heavy cream or broth to revive the sauce. Zucchini noodles hold up better than shirataki in the fridge, so I reheat them more carefully.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes—I often use rotisserie chicken or grilled leftovers. I just toss them in at the end to warm through.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
I keep the heat moderate and whisk constantly when adding cream and cheese. If the sauce looks oily or grainy, I reduce heat and whisk in a bit of water or more cream.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—I substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream, and use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives.
What noodles work best?
Zucchini noodles stay firm and hold sauce beautifully. Shirataki noodles work, but I rinse and dry them well to reduce odor and moisture.
Is this dish meal-prep friendly?
It is! I pack chicken, sauce, and noodles separately to keep the zoodles from getting soggy—or I reheat the mix gently just before eating.
Conclusion
This ultimate keto Chicken Alfredo hits all the comfort-food notes—creamy, satisfying, and low-carb. I love how easy it is to prepare, how it fits keto-style eating, and how it feels indulgent without overindulging. It’s become a kitchen staple whenever I want big flavor on a keto plan.
PrintThe Ultimate Keto Chicken Alfredo
A rich and creamy keto-friendly Chicken Alfredo made with zucchini or shirataki noodles, tender chicken, and a decadent, low-carb Alfredo sauce. Comfort food without the carbs!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- 3 cups zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles (or combo)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp butter or oil, add chicken slices, and sauté until golden and warmed through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Add grated Parmesan and whisk until the sauce thickens (2–3 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Add zucchini or shirataki noodles, tossing in the sauce until heated and coated (about 2 minutes). Add a splash of cream or water if needed.
- Return chicken to the pan, tossing gently to heat through and combine.
- Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone for more cheesy richness.
- Use basil, thyme, or rosemary for different herb flavors.
- Substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free sauce.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (of 3)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 160mg